"Songwriting is a way of expressing what''s in the heart, mind, and soul!"
-Kenny Loggins

Get the inside scoop on finding agents, publishers, and collaborators

Create a demo and break into the music industry!

Now you can write the songs! Using well-known tunes as examples, this easy-to-follow guide walks you through every aspect of writing lyrics and publishing a song, from choosing a musical style and recording to hiring business players. You''ll see how to use rhyme and rhythm in all kinds of music, from blues to rock to commercial jingles.

"Well thought out, well written, well presented, well done!"
- Ralph Murphy, V.P. International and Domestic Membership Group, ASCAP.

"In the future, when I''m struggling with an idea for a popular song, Songwriting For Dummies will be at arms reach."
- Bruce Swedien, Engineer, Producer, Composer for Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Quincy Jones, and Michael Jackson

Want to know how to make it as a songwriter? "Songwriting For Dummies" gives you a chance to learn from the best. Performer, songwriter Jim Peterik is a 35-year veteran in the business and author of dozens of top-40 hits, including "Hold On Loosely," "Caught Up In You" "Rocking Into the Night," "High On You," "I Can't Hold Back," "Is This Love," "Burning Heart," and "The Search is Over." Dave Austin is CEO of Transcension Music Group. He's produced and promoted some of the greatest talent in the industry, including Carlos Santana, Eddie Money, REO Speedwagon, and Queen. And Mary Ellen Bickford has been involved in music and film production for more than two decades.

Whether you're a first-time songwriter or songwriting vet looking for a fast-track into the recording industry, this friendly, easy-to-follow guide is the source for you. Using well-known tunes as examples, the authors walk you through everything you need to know to: Choose a musical style Develop a song idea Compose high-impact lyrics Create melodies that are memorable Use rhyme and rhythm Understand song from, from blues to jingles Create a demo and shop it around Find an agent and publisher Find and work with collaborators

From assessing your strengths and weaknesses as a songwriter to signing contracts, "Songwriting For Dummies" covers all the bases. Among other key topics, you'll explore: Various song forms, including the AABA form and various ABAB forms Snagging your listeners with a lyrical, melodic, musical, rhythmic, or sound-effect hook, or a combination of hooks Concept-driven, story-telling, parody, love and other types of lyrics Using rhythm, melody, and chords in writing songs Rock, pop, R&B, hip-hop, and many other song styles Writing songs for stage, screen and TV The business end--from putting together a business team to getting a lawyer and an accountant to finding a publisher

Whether you want to know how to compose a love song for that special someone, or you're looking break into the industry, big-time, "Songwriting For Dummies" is a gold mine of inspiration and how-to information.